We visited the pioneer complex for the first time during the evening candle light tour on the day after Christmas. Everything was lighted by candles or lamps. There were volunteers in most every building, giving information about that particular building. One person was actually born in the house that he was sharing the history of! It was wonderful visiting these houses and hearing about their history by people who had actual connections to the families who had inhabited these houses. It was a great way to get a feel for the lives of the pioneers. After the tour, there were some refreshments in a large building where we were able to visit with more of the museum team. We loved the visit and will definitely return during the day to see this complex in full daylight.
We went through the museum complex last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. Displays are well marked and the flow through the museum and out buildings is logical and well described and explained.
The museum has a number of very interesting exhibits most with a voice narrative that gives you a real insight into the history of each building. The museum also provide a leaflet to supplement the information provided. There is a small entrance fee - well worth it. The museum team are excellent.
I enjoyed this museum but would have liked more to do. My son enjoyed making rope and watching the blacksmith.
Spent morning here & enjoyed both the people & the exhibits. Reflection of early settler days & German heritage of this area. Recommend as good alternative to shopping for both of us.
What a place to see!! We loved the way it was set up. Going from one building to the next, opening the door and listening to a story about the building we were standing in or the people that occupied them.
This is great for people who want to see up close and personal what it was like to be an early immigrant from Germany to Fredericksburg in the late 1800's. Best museum of its type.
We walked around all of the outbuildings and saw how the German population lived over a hundred years ago. Interesting that many of the farmers had small one room cottages in town so they could stay over night after a long journey from the farm.As we were leaving I asked "why? why did the Germans come here in the first place? I did not see that explained on our tour" I was then given a very interesting ten minute history lesson of why.I am glad I asked.
This is a very small museum that you can tour within an hour. It is well worth the admission price and time. All of the Sunday houses, kitchens, and school houses have been refreshed (so they feel a bit new), but it gives a glimpse of life in Texas.
The mueseum complex has several building that are original as well as reporductions that put the experince of the early settlers at the fingertips of the visitor, Having german ancestry, I found this visit to be enlighting.